CHOs’ on stir against qualification rules for some posts

Bengaluru: The indefinite strike by community health officers (CHOs) in ther state entered its sixth day on Saturday, with protesters demanding regularisation of their services and withdrawal of a new qualification requirement for certain posts.As part of the agitation, the association took out a foot march from Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru to Nelamangala, before proceeding to Freedom Park here. The Akhila Karnataka Community Health NHM Contract Employees’ Association said CHOs from across the state were participating in the protest, disrupting services at Ayushman Arogya Kendras (AAKs) in several districts.The protesters said CHOs working under the National Health Mission (NHM) played a crucial role in delivering primary healthcare through AAKs and should be regularised.Among their key demands is the withdrawal of the BSc (nursing) qualification requirement for posts of primary health officer and health information officer.Lokayukta cops arrest Health Department officer, lab technician on bribery chargesA representative of the association Vasantha Kumar said the requirement could adversely affect the career prospects of CHOs already serving in the health system.He said the association had submitted objections to the proposed qualification norm, but claimed it had not received clear information on how those objections were considered before the final notification was issued.Transfer, salary demandsThe protesters sought implementation of inter-district transfer rules for CHOs and a revision of salaries in keeping with their duties and responsibilities. 

Source: Deccan Herald